Air treatment system

ABSTRACT

An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/456,984, filed Jul. 12, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/699,193 filed Jul. 14, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air treatment systems, and moreparticularly to a portable room air filtering system.

Air treatment systems have grown in popularity in recent years. Agrowing concern for health and an increased recognition of the risksassociated with unclear air are largely responsible for this trend. Forexample, airborne pollutants can cause or contribute to a number ofrespiratory problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, andallergies. Additionally, some airborne pollutants can cause undesirableodors. While air treatment systems are available in a wide variety ofdesigns, a conventional air treatment system includes a blower thatmoves air through a filter element. The blower and filter element aretypically contained in a housing and are arranged with the blower eitherdrawing or pushing air through the filter element. A number of differentfilter elements with different filtering characteristics arecommercially available. For example, particulate filters are availableto remove particulate matter from air. A conventional particulate filterincludes a substance, such as fiberglass or electret-type media, thattraps particulate matter as air is passed therethrough. Another example,odor filters are available to remove odors from the air. A conventionalodor filter includes activated carbon, or activated charcoal, whichremoves pollutants from the air primarily by adsorption.

As air treatment systems become more widely used, consumers arecontinually searching for systems that maximize efficiency whileminimizing noise and size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention,wherein an air treatment system includes features for maximizingefficiency and effectiveness.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor air passagethat utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw airthrough the passage. The blower includes an inlet and an outlet, and isoperable to draw air into the inlet and force air out of the outlet. Afilter is positioned relative to the blower such that the blower iscapable of drawing air through the filter. The sensor flow passageincludes a sensor inlet, a sensor for sensing contamination of ambientair, and a sensor outlet. The sensor outlet is positioned relative tothe blower outlet such that the air forced out of the blower outlet isforced to travel proximate to the sensor outlet. The air forced out ofthe blower outlet creates a low pressure region proximate to the sensoroutlet to draw ambient air through the sensor flow passage. A method fordrawing ambient air through a sensor air flow passage is also disclosed.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes filter having afilter media and a filter frame. The filter frame supports the filtermedia, and includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with thefilter frame. The connectors are adapted to removably attach the filterframe to the air treatment system.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a blower having anintake, a screen positioned adjacent to the blower intake, the screenincluding a plurality of angled strands, and means for locating thescreen with respect to the blower such that the angled strands areoriented in a particular direction.

In another embodiment, the present invention include a remote controlthat is capable of controlling an operation of the air treatment system,a housing supporting a blower and a filter, and a remote control holderformed integrally with the housing. The remote control holder includes arecess capable of receiving and supporting the remote control.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a blower, afilter, and a housing. The blower includes an inlet and an outlet and isoperable to draw air into the inlet and force air out the outlet. Thefilter is positioned relative to the blower such that the blower iscapable of drawing air through the filter. The housing supports theblower and the filter. A gasket is positioned between the blower and thehousing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detaileddescription of the current embodiment and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the air treatment system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective exploded view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a side exploded view thereof.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the front shield and trim piece, theprefilter, and remote.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the system.

FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of the system.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the system.

FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view of the system.

FIG. 11 a is an exploded view of the filter housing and finger guard.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the finger guard.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the finger guard.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the components of the sensor air flowpassage.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the motor gasket.

FIG. 15 a is a side cross sectional view of the motor gasket along lineB-B in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 b is a side cross sectional view of the motor gasket along lineA-A in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 c is a close up view of the portion of the motor gasket incircle C in FIG. 15 a.

FIG. 15 d is a close up view of the portion of the motor gasket incircle D in FIG. 15 b.

FIG. 16 is a top cross-sectional view of the sensor air flow passage.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of one embodiment of a particulate sensor.

FIG. 17 a is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 17 b is a top view thereof.

FIG. 17 c is a right side view thereof.

FIG. 17 d is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 17 e is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the sensor plug.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the sensor plug.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the remote control and remote controlholder.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the remote in stored position.

FIG. 22 a is a bottom view of one embodiment of the remote.

FIG. 22 b is a side cross sectional view thereof.

FIG. 22 c is a top view thereof.

FIG. 22 d is a front view thereof.

FIG. 22 e is a side view thereof.

FIG. 22 f is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the unit and remote controlholder.

FIG. 23 a is a close-up view of the remote control holder circled inFIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the remote control holder.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the remote control.

FIG. 25 a is a bottom perspective view of the remote control.

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the particulate filterpartially installed in the filter housing.

FIG. 27 is a front exploded view of the particulate filter partiallyinstalled into the filter housing with the prefilter and front shell andtrim piece removed.

FIG. 28 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the bottom of theparticulate filter partially installed in the filter housing.

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 30 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the particulate filter framealong line C-C in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the filter frame along lineA-A of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the filter frame along lineB-B of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 36 is a front view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the particulate filter frame.

FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view of the particulate filter andframe.

FIG. 39 is a close-up side cross-sectional view of the portion of theparticle filter and frame circled in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of the particulate filter frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

An air treatment system according to one embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5, and generally designated 10. The air treatment system 10includes a housing 12 having a front portion 14, a rear portion 16, anda blower 18. The blower 18 circulates external air through the housing12 by drawing it in through the front portion 14 and forcing it outthrough the rear portion 16. A prefilter 320, particulate filter 322,and odor filter 324 are positioned along the air flow path to treat theair as it is moved through the housing 12. The system 10 is operated byan electronic control system 100.

The housing 12 is generally comprised of a front shield 30, a front trimpiece 32, a filter housing 34, an outlet duct 36, and a rear shell 38.The housing 12 may be made from a wide variety of materials. Asillustrated, the components of the housing 12 are formed from multiplepieces of plastic, however, some or all of the components may be formedas one integral piece. The front shield 30 and front trim piece 32 formthe front portion 14 of the housing 12. The filter housing 34, outletduct 36, and rear shell 38 form the rear portion 16 of the housing 12.As described in more detail below, the blower 18 draws external airthrough the front portion 14, through the various filters, and forces itout the rear portion 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 12, the front shield 30 forms a frontsurface of the housing 12 and acts as a cover for the various filters.The front shield 30 has one or more openings 40 that allow air to passthrough the shield and into the housing 12, and may alternatively be agrill having a plurality of slots. Shown in FIG. 2, the front shield 30has a plurality of thumb screws 44 on its rear surface 46 that extendinto receptacles 48 on the front trim piece 32. The front trim piece 32connects the front shield 30 to the rest of the housing 12. As shown inFIG. 2, the front trim piece 32 is a peripheral frame includingreceptacles 48 extending from side frame members 50, 52. The receptacles48 project toward the middle of the frame and also angle outwardlytoward the front shield 30 to receive the front shield 30 and create agap 54 between the front shield 30 and the front trim piece 32 aroundthe periphery of the trim piece 32 enabling air to enter the housingthrough both the openings 40 in the front shield 30 and the gap 54. Thetrim piece 32 includes a rear surface 56 having posts 58 for attachingthe trim piece 32 to the filter housing 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 8, the filter housing 34 includes a panel60 with a cutout 62 that defines a blower opening, and a peripheralflange 64 extending around most of the periphery of the panel 60. Asshown in FIG. 6, the panel 60 may have a curved shape. The bloweropening 62 is positioned in the panel 60 near the lower edge 66 of thefilter housing 34. The peripheral flange 64 includes a plurality ofreceptacles 67 for receiving the posts 58 of the trim piece 32. Whenconnected, the posts 58 extend into the receptacles 67 to maintain adistance between the panel 60 and the trim piece 32 and create a spacebetween the panel 60 and the trim piece 32 for holding the variousfilters. The flange 64 also includes slots 68 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 27)for receiving snap hooks 70 on the particulate filter 322 (discussedbelow). As shown, the slots 68 are located on opposite side members 72,74 of the peripheral flange 64, spaced approximately ¼ of the length ofthe side members 72, 74 from the top member 76. As shown in FIGS. 25 and26, the filter housing 34 may also include slots 78 in the bottom member80 of the peripheral flange 64. As described below, the slots 78 receiveengagement tabs 82 extending from the particle filter frame 84. Shown inFIG. 6, the filter housing 34 further includes a foot 79 extendingdownwardly from the bottom member 80. The foot 79 provides a surface forstanding the housing 12 upright on a floor.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13 a, the front surface 86 of the filterhousing 34 includes a plurality of screw bosses 88 around the peripheryof the cutout 62. The screw bosses 88 receive a plurality of screws (notshown) for attaching a finger guard 90 over the cutout 62. As shown inFIGS. 11-11 a, the finger guard 90 prevents users from contacting theblower 18. Shown in more detail in FIGS. 12 and 13, the finger guard 90is typically a expanded metal mesh. The mesh is formed by cutting slitsin a sheet of metal and then stretching the metal to pull the slitsapart, forming a plurality of diamond shaped openings 92. The meshremains a single piece of metal with intersecting strands 94 heldtogether about the periphery 95. As with most expanded metal products,the intersecting mesh strands each have a strand thickness and a strandwidth. The strand thickness is generally greater than the strand width.When the mesh is formed, the strands 94 are often angled in the samedirection, such that air flowing through the mesh is met with differentresistances depending on its direction relative to the angle of the meshstrands 94. Air flowing in one direction will need to flow around theentire strand thickness in order to pass through the mesh, while airflowing in another direction will only need to flow around the strandwidth. Accordingly, finger guard 90 assists in controlling the directionof the flow of air entering blower 18. According to the illustratedembodiment, finger guard 90 is oriented such that air entering theblower 18 is drawn preferably from the top of the interior of filterhousing 34. The contoured shape of the interior of filter housing 34,coupled with the alignment of finger guard 90 as described above, helpsto distribute the flow of air evenly across the filters. In oneembodiment, the periphery 95 of the finger guard 90 includes a number ofscrew holes 96. The screw holes are keyed to the angle of the meshstrands, such that when they are aligned with the screw bosses 88, thefinger guard 90 is oriented with respect to the direction of the airflow to minimize the resistance of air flowing through the finger guard90. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the finger guard 90 may also include alocator notch 91 in the periphery 95 that engages one or more of theprotrusions 104 extending from the front surface 86 of the filterhousing 34 to aid in locating each of the screw holes with a correct oneof the screw bosses 88. The protrusion could alternatively extend fromother portions of the housing 34, such as one of the screw bosses 88. Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 11, the finger guard 90 may have a contouredsurface, such that the finger guard 90 is in contact with the filterhousing 34 at the periphery 95, but extends away from the filter housing34 in the central portion 97. The curvature creates extra space betweenthe finger guard 90 and the blower 18 to increase the efficiency of theblower 18. The combination of protrusions 104 and screw bosses 88 affirmproper angular and directional orientation of the finger guard about theaxis of the cutout 62.

The outlet duct 36 connects to a rear surface 106 of the filter housing34 and defines a chamber 107 (shown in FIG. 3) for the blower 18.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the outlet duct 36 generally includes aperipheral rim 108, a sidewall 110, and rear panel 114. The peripheralrim 108 is approximately the same size as the gasket crush rib 65 on thefilter housing 34, except when fit together, the upper edge 112 of theoutlet duct 36 extends above the top member 76 of the filter housing 34.The rim 108 includes a plurality of screw bosses 109 for receivingscrews (not shown) extending through corresponding screw holes (notshown) in the filter housing 34. A gasket (not shown) comprised of foam,rubber, or another sealing material may be attached to the rim 108 andextend around the rim 108 such that it engages the gasket crush rib 65of the filter housing 34 to create an airtight seal between the filterhousing 34 and the outlet duct 36 when they are connected. The sidewall110 extends from the rim 108 approximately perpendicular to the rim 108.As shown in FIG. 6, the sidewall 110 tapers in width as is approachesthe upper edge 112 of the outlet duct 36. The rear panel 114 extendsfrom the sidewall 110 opposite the rim 108. The rear panel 114 includesa first cutout 115 for mounting the blower 18, and a second cutout 118defining an opening for exit air. Shown in FIG. 14, the first cutout 115is generally circular, and located in a lower portion 120 of the rearpanel 114. A plurality of screw holes 122 may be located around thefirst cutout 115 for receiving screws (not shown) that extend throughthe blower 18 to mount the blower 18 to the rear panel 114. The secondcutout 118 is located in the upper portion 121 of the rear panel 114,and may cover substantially all of the upper portion 121. In oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the upper portion 121 of the rear panel 114above the second cutout 118 includes a recess 123. The recess 123extends into the rear panel 114 toward the filter housing 34 such thatit fits approximately on top of the top member 76 of the filter housing34 when the filter housing 34 and outlet duct 36 are connected. Asdescribed in more detail below, when the outlet duct 36 is connected tothe outer shell 38, the recess 123 combines with a portion of the outershell 38 to form a remote control holder 161. In one embodiment, shownin FIGS. 2, 16, 23, 23 a and 24, the recess 123 includes a rightsidewall 166, a left sidewall 168, and a bottom wall 169. The rightsidewall 166 is approximately perpendicular to the rear panel 114. Theleft sidewall 168 extends at an angle from the rear panel 114 anddefines an air hole 170. As described below, the air hole 170 forms aportion of a sensor air passage 172. The bottom sidewall 169 extendsfrom the rear panel 114 approximately perpendicular to the rear panel114, such that it forms a corner 180 (shown in FIG. 8) with the rearpanel 114. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20, 24 and 24 a, thebottom panel 169 includes a pair of downwardly extending snap fitrecesses 182, 184 at the corner 180. As described below, the snap fitrecesses 182, 184 combine with the outer shell 38 to form a detent forsnap-fitting the remote control 200.

As shown in FIG. 14, in order to provide an airtight seal, reduce noiseand dampen vibration between the blower 18 and the outlet duct 36, agasket 124 comprised of foam, rubber or another sealing material may beplaced between the blower 18 (not shown in FIG. 14) and the rear panel114. In one embodiment of the gasket 124, shown in FIGS. 15-15 d, thegasket 124 may include bosses 125 that extend outwardly from the gasket124. The bosses 125 extend into the screw holes 122 to surround thescrews and ensure an airtight seal. In yet another embodiment (notshown), portions of the gasket 124 may extend through the screw holes122 and beyond the rear surface 126 of the rear panel 114. In thisembodiment, the portions extending beyond the rear surface 126 areengaged by the screw heads of the screws extending through the screwholes 122 and folded over against the rear surface 126 to provide aneven better seal.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 3, the blower 18 ismounted in the chamber 107 of the outlet duct 36 to the rear panel 114,and includes an impeller 128 and a DC motor 130. At least a portion ofthe motor 130 extends into the first cutout 115 of the rear panel 114.The impeller 128 rotates about an axis perpendicular to the rear panel114 of the outlet duct 36, and is aligned with the cutout 62 in thefilter housing 34. The impeller 128 includes a number of fins 132 thatact to draw air into the blower 18. The air is drawn in through thefront of the impeller 128 and then forced radially outwardly through theside of the impeller 128 and into the chamber 107. The blower 18 iscontrolled by the external, electronic control system 100, describedbelow.

The rear shell 38 forms a rear surface of the air treatment system 10and generally includes a pair of sidewalls 142 and 144 and an outerpanel 146 extending between the sidewalls 142 and 144. As shown in FIG.6, the sidewalls 142 and 144 may taper gradually from a bottom edge 148to a top edge 150, and may include a pair of notches 152, 154 near thetop edge 150. The notches 152, 154 receive handles 160, 162. The handles160, 162 are typically molded as separate, cup shaped parts that extendinto the system 10 through the notches 152, 154 in the sidewalls 142,144 of the rear shell 38. In the assembled unit 10, the handles 160, 162fit under the upper edge 112 of the outlet duct 36 and above the topmember 76 of the filter housing. The handles 160, 162 allow a user toinsert a hand into each handle in order to lift and transport the system10. Referring now to FIG. 2, the outer panel 146 is shaped to follow thetapered contour of the sidewalls 142, 144, and includes a lower portion202 and an upper portion 204. The upper portion 204 includes a grill 206that aligns with the second cutout 118 for passage of exit air from thesystem 10. The upper portion 204 further includes a cutout 208 (shown inFIG. 2) located above the grill 206. The cutout 208 aligns with therecess 123 in the outlet duct 34.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14-16, the system 10 may include a sensor 300for monitoring specific conditions of the external, ambient air. Thesensor 300 is linked to the control system 100 to provide the controlsystem 100 with information regarding the ambient air. A wide variety ofsensors may be used to monitor conditions such as particulates andchemicals in the ambient air. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor300 is a compact particulate sensor, such as Model No. GP2Y1010AU madeby SHARP. As illustrated, the sensor 300 is generally rectangular, andincludes a front surface 302, a rear surface 304, a particulate throughhole 306, and a terminal 308. Shown in FIGS. 14 a and 15, in oneembodiment the sensor 300 is located in the system 10 between the end310 of the left handle 160 and the left sidewall 168 of the recess 123in the outlet duct 36. In this embodiment, the particulate through hole306 is aligned with the air hole 170 in the sidewall 168, thus forming asensor air passage 172 for ambient air through the handle 160, sensorthrough hole 306, and air hole 170. A particle sensor filter 312 may bepress fit into the handle 160 to filter large air particles from thesensor 300. As shown, the sensor filter 312 includes a screen 314 with asoft frame 316. The sensor air passage 172 may be sealed from the restof the system 10 in order to prevent filtered or unfiltered air insidethe housing 12 from entering the sensor air passage 172 and effectingthe sensor readings of the ambient air. As shown in FIG. 14, in oneembodiment a foam gasket 173 is attached to the front surface 302 of thesensor 300 and a rubber sensor plug 175 is attached to the rear surface304 of the sensor 300. Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the sensor plug175 may be particularly formed to fit over one or more surfaces of thesensor 300, in order to more completely seal the sensor 300. As shown, afirst portion 177 of the sensor plug 175 extends into the particulatethrough hole 306, and a second portion 179 wraps around the side of thesensor 300.

The remote control 200 is a battery-operated, infrared remote control200 allowing remote operation of the system 10. The remote control 200includes an upper surface 210, a lower surface 212 and first and secondside edges 220, 222. The upper surface includes a plurality of controlbuttons 214 that allow full operation of the system 10. As shown in FIG.22 a, the lower surface 212 includes a pair of side protrusions 216 anda pair of end protrusions 218 extending from the lower surface 212. Theend protrusions 218 are spaced approximately one-half the distancebetween the first and second side edges 220, 222.

As noted above and shown in FIGS. 20, 24, 24 a, 24 b, the cutout 208 inthe outer shell 38 combines with the recess 123 in the outlet duct 36 toform a remote control holder 161 for the remote control 200. The cutout208 may include a bottom surface 226 and left and right sides 228, 230.A guide rail 240 may extend from each of the sides 228, 230 a shortdistance above the bottom surface 226 to create a slot for insertion ofthe remote 200. Shown also in FIGS. 24 a and 20, additional guide rails241 may extend from the left and right sidewalls 166, 168 of the recess123 in the outlet duct 36. The snap fit recesses 182, 184 in the recess123 fit together with the bottom surface 226 to form a pair of detents244, 246. When the remote control 200 is inserted into the remotecontrol holder 161, the upper surface 210 of the remote engages theguide rails 240, 241 and the detents 244, 246 receive the endprotrusions 218 on the lower surface 212 of the remote 200 such that theremote snap fits in place. The remote 200 fits in the remote controlholder 161 such that a portion of the remote 200 extends through thecutout 208 and into the recess 123 of the outlet duct 36. The remote 200may fit flush within the remote control holder 161 for storage andconcealment. In addition, the cutout 208 and recess 123 may function asanother handle for a user to insert a hand and transport the system 10.Because the remote control 200 is stored near the bottom 226 of thecutout 208, the handle can be used while the remote 200 is stored in theremote control holder 161. Even though the remote control holder 161 isdescribed herein in connection with a particular air treatment system,it may be incorporated into many other air treatment systems thatutilize a remote control. In addition, the bottom surface 226 mayinclude a rounded notch 227 for enabling a user to insert a fingerbeneath the remote control 200 to facilitate removal from the holder161.

The odor filter 324 is seated within the filter housing 34 such that theouter edge of the odor filter 324 engages the peripheral flange 64 ofthe filter housing 34. The odor filter 324 is generally rectangular andis substantially coextensive with the peripheral flange 64. The odorfilter 324 preferably includes a die-cut paperboard frame 330, anactivated carbon medium (not visible).

The particulate filter 322 is installed within the system 10 to removefine particulate matter from the air. The particulate filter 322includes a filtering media 323 and a filter frame 84, and is seatedagainst the filter housing 34, and sealed with a sealing bead 370. Thefiltering media 323 is preferably a pleated HEPA filter medium. Thisfiltering media 323 can be replaced by a meltdown polypropylene,electret-type, fiberglass or other conventional media.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-40, the particulate filter frame 84 isgenerally a molded thermoplastic, but may be formed from a variety ofmaterials. According to the illustrated embodiment, filter frame 84 iscomprised of a single piece of molded thermoplastic, although filterframe 84 could be comprised of multiple pieces attached together. Thefilter frame 84 is described herein in connection with a particular airtreatment system, but may be adapted for use in many different airtreatment systems that incorporate filters. As shown in FIG. 29, thefilter frame 84 includes a top member 350, a bottom member 352, andopposing side members 354, 356. Each frame member includes a frontsurface 358 and a rear surface 360. A plurality of slats 362 may extendbetween the side members 354, 356 and the top and bottom members 350,352 at the rear surfaces 360 of the frame members. The particulatefilter media 323 fits within the frame members and is seated against theslats 362. It may be held in place within the frame 84 by a conventionaladhesive (not shown). The frame 84 includes a number of snap hooks 70for removably connecting the frame 84 to the filter housing 34. Asillustrated, the snap hooks 70 are formed integrally with the frame 84and are located on the side members 354, 356 approximately ¼ of lengthof the side members from the top member 350. In this embodiment, shownin FIG. 30, a first portion 351 extends outwardly from the front surface358 of the side members 354, 356 and include a radiused curve 364 and anelongated portion 366 extending from the curve 364 alongside the sidemembers 354, 356 of the frame 84 past the rear surface 360 of the frame84. The elongated portion 366 includes a barbed end 368. Shown in FIG.27, the barbed end 368 may be inserted into the slots 68 in theperipheral flange 64 of the filter housing 34. The radiused curve 364may act as a hinge such that the snap hooks 70 may be flexed tofacilitate insertion and removal of the snap hooks 70 from the slots 68.In an alternative embodiment, the slots 68 could be included on thefilter frame 84 and the snap hooks 70 could extend from the filterhousing 34. The rear surface 360 of the frame may additionally include asealing bead 370 (shown in FIGS. 33 and 34) that extends around theframe 84 and engages the filter housing 34 to create an airtight sealbetween the frame 84 and the filter housing 34. The odor filter 324 istrapped between the protrusions 104 of filter housing 34 and particulatefilter 322. Each snap hook 70 may additionally include a slot receptacle372 in the first portion 351 of the snap hook 70 for receivingcorresponding tabs 380 on the prefilter 320. The frame 84 may includeadditional protrusions 382 including slot receptacles 384 for receivingadditional corresponding tabs 380 on the prefilter 320. As shown in FIG.28, the bottom member 352 may include one or more outwardly extendingprotrusions 82 for extending into the slots 78 in the bottom member 80of the peripheral flange 64 of the filter housing 34. As illustrated,two protrusions 82 are spaced along the bottom member 352. Theprotrusions 82 may have a curved surface to accommodate inserting theprotrusions 82 into the slots 78 and rotating the frame 84 into place.The filter frame 84 could include snap hooks 70 located on one or moreof the top member 350 and the bottom member 352.

In operation, the particulate filter 322 is installed into the system 10by inserting the protrusions 82 of the frame 84 into the slots 78 on thefilter housing 34 with the top of the filter frame angled away from thefilter housing 34. The top portion of the filter frame 84 is thenrotated toward the filter housing 34 so the snap hooks 70 are alignedwith the slots 68 near the top of the filter housing 34. The snap hooks70 are inserted into the slots 68 such that the barbs 368 snap fit intothe slots 68. The positioning and fit of the snap hooks 70 near the topof the filter frame 84 enable the sealing bead 370 to form an airtightseal with the filter housing 34. Removal of the particulate filter 322is done by flexing the snap hooks 70 to disengage the barbs 368 and thenrotating the filter frame 84 opposite the direction of insertion.

As noted above, the prefilter 320 removably attaches to the frontsurface 358 of the particulate filter frame 84 in order to removerelatively coarse particles from the air as the air enters the system10. By removing coarse particulate matter, the prefilter 320 protectsthe particulate filter 322. The prefilter 320 includes a screen (notshown) secured to a polymeric support structure 392. In one embodiment,the screen is a woven polymer, but it may be wire mesh or another typeof screen. The support structure 392 includes a plurality of mountingtabs 380 adapted to fit within the slot receptacles 372, 384 on thefront surface 350 of the filter frame 84 to secure the prefilter 320 inplace over particulate filter 322.

As noted above, the system 10 is operated by an electronic controlsystem 100. As illustrated, the control system 100 is mounted to the topmember 76 of the filter housing 34 and the upper edge 112 of the outletduct 36, and includes a conventional circuit board having conventionalDC motor control circuitry (not shown) that controls operation of theblower 18, conventional timing and recording circuitry (not shown) thatmonitors the life of the particulate and odor filters, conventionalnon-volatile memory (e.g. EPROM) (not shown) in which filter data instored in the event of a power failure, and conventional input circuitry(not shown) that allows the user to select the desired operatingparameters. The user operates the control system 100 by manipulation ofa control panel 396 or the wireless remote control 200.

Air Flow Path

In operation, the blower 18 is actuated to draw external air into thesystem 10 through the front shield 30 and through the prefilter 320,particulate filter 322, and odor filter 324. As the air passes throughthe filters, each of the filters operate to remove particulates andodors from the air as described above. The air is then drawn in throughthe finger guard 90, front of the impeller 128, and forced radiallyoutwardly through the side of the impeller 128 and into the chamber 107in the outlet duct 36. The high velocity, filtered air is then forcedupward and out of the second cutout 118 in the outlet duct 36 and exitsthe system 10 through the grill 206 in the rear shell 38. Air circulatesaround the room in which the system 10 is operated by flowing into thefront of the system 10 and then upward and out the rear of the system10.

As the high velocity, filtered air exits the system 10, it flowsdirectly past the cutout 208 at the top of the rear shell 38 and pastthe air hole 170 of the sensor air passage 172. This high velocity airflow over the cutout 208 creates a low pressure region near the air hole170 that acts to draw external, ambient air through the handle 168 andthrough the sensor air passage 172. In the illustrated embodiment,approximately 1/1000 of the air volume that is drawn through the system10 is drawn through the sensor air passage 172. Because the sensor airpassage 172 is sealed from the rest of the system 10, neither filterednor unfiltered air from inside the system can enter the sensor airpassage 172 to effect the information gathered by the sensor 300.Further, because the sensor air passage 172 is not positioned directlyin the air flow path of the system 10, it does not reduce the amount ofclean air delivered by the system and does not effect the efficiency ofthe system 10. Although described in connection with this particular airtreatment system, this feature of using an air stream to create a lowpressure area and draw air through a sensor may be otherwiseincorporated into many different air treatment systems.

The above description is that of the current embodiment of theinvention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theappended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

1. An air treatment system comprising: a blower, said blower includingan inlet and an outlet, said blower operable to draw air into said inletand force air out said outlet; a filter positioned relative said blowersuch that said blower is capable of drawing air through said filter; ahousing, said housing supporting said blower and said filter; and agasket, said positioned between said blower and said housing and formingan airtight seal between said blower and said housing.
 2. The airtreatment system of claim 1 wherein said housing includes an outlet ducthaving a rear panel that includes a front surface and a rear surface anddefines a cutout extending there through, said blower attached to saidfront surface with at least a portion of said blower extending throughsaid cutout, said gasket positioned between said blower and said frontsurface of said rear panel.
 3. The air treatment system of claim 2wherein said housing includes a filter housing, said blower positionedbetween said outlet duct and said filter housing.
 4. The air treatmentsystem of claim 3 wherein said filter housing includes a first surfacefacing said blower and a second surface opposite said first surface,said filter contacting said second surface.
 5. The air treatment systemof claim 4 wherein said housing includes a rear shell forming anexterior surface of the air treatment system, said rear shell disposedadjacent said rear surface of said outlet duct rear panel, said rearshell defining an opening permitting air to exit the air treatmentsystem after flowing through said filter and said blower.
 6. The airtreatment system of claim 5 wherein said gasket completely surroundssaid cutout in said rear panel of said outlet duct.
 7. The air treatmentsystem 6 wherein said gasket includes a blower surface in direct contactwith said blower and an outlet duct surface in direct contact with saidfront surface of said rear panel of said outlet duct.
 8. The airtreatment system of claim 7 wherein said gasket includes at least onescrew boss extending outwardly from said outlet duct surface.
 9. The airtreatment system of claim 8 wherein said outlet duct rear panel definesat least one screw hole, said screw boss extending through said screwhole.
 10. The air treatment system of claim 9 wherein said screw bossextends through said screw hole beyond said rear surface of said rearpanel.